Extendable compartment trailer assembly and methods of operation thereof

ABSTRACT

An extendable compartment assembly having a first compartment and a second compartment each having opposing sidewalls and a ceiling, a first frame coupled to the first compartment, a second frame coupled to the second compartment, and a slide assembly coupling the first frame to the second frame such that the second compartment is slideable relative to the first compartment between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the second compartment is at least partially disposed within the first compartment and in the second position the second compartment is at least partially disposed outside the first compartment. A hitch assembly comprising a base arm having first and second ends, a first mating arm coupled with the first end, a second mating arm coupled with the second end, and a bias member coupling the first mating arm to the second mating arm.

his application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/992,102, entitled “Hitch Hotel,” filed May 12, 2014, which is herebyexpressly incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the invention relate to a vehicle trailer assembly andmethods of operation thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Automobile trailers, including storage and camping trailers are known inthe art. Known trailers are typically hitched to an automobile fortransport to a remote location. After hitching the trailer to theautomobile, the driver may drive the trailer to the remote location.Many storage trailers and camping trailers are typically large enough tofit one or more adult people, equipment, or other large objects, and mayhave a length from between 6 to 12 feet behind the automobile. Suchtrailers require large road-capable wheels for transport. Furthermore,when transporting large trailers, the operator is typically subjected toadditional speed and lane restrictions that are not required forvehicles without a trailer. Much smaller storage compartments that maybe mounted to a vehicle such as on top or on the rear do not requirewheels and do not require speed and lane restrictions. However, suchstorage compartments do not have enough storage capacity for largerobjects such as one or more adult people.

Thus, there is a need in the art for an extendable compartment trailerassembly that is small enough to not require road wheels duringtransport, but can be extended to have enough storage volume to holdlarge objects such as one or more adult people.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention provide an extendable compartmenttrailer assembly comprising a first compartment having opposingsidewalls and a ceiling, a second compartment having opposing sidewallsand a ceiling, a first frame coupled to the first compartment, a secondframe coupled to the second compartment, and a slide assembly couplingthe first frame to the second frame such that the second compartment isslideable relative to the first compartment between a first position anda second position. In the first position the second compartment is atleast partially disposed within the first compartment and in the secondposition the second compartment is at least partially disposed outsidethe first compartment.

Aspects of the present invention also provide an extendable compartmentassembly comprising a first compartment having opposing sidewalls and aceiling, a second compartment having opposing sidewalls and a ceiling, athird compartment having opposing sidewalls and a ceiling, a first framecoupled to the first compartment, a second frame coupled to the secondcompartment, a third frame coupled to third compartment, a first slideassembly coupling the first frame to the second frame such that thesecond compartment is slideable relative to the first compartmentbetween a first position and a second position, and a second slideassembly coupling the second frame to the third frame such that thethird compartment is slideable relative to the second compartmentbetween a third position and a fourth position. In the first positionthe second compartment is at least partially disposed within the firstcompartment and in the second position the second compartment is atleast partially disposed outside the first compartment. In the thirdposition the third compartment is at least partially disposed within thesecond compartment and in the fourth position the third compartment isat least partially disposed outside the second compartment.

Aspects of the present invention also provide a hitch assemblycomprising a base arm having a first end and an opposing second end, afirst mating arm coupled with the first end of the base arm, a secondmating arm coupled with the second end of the base arm, and a biasmember coupling the first mating arm to the second mating arm.

Aspects of the present invention also provide a hitch assemblycomprising a base arm having a first end opposing a second end, and alongitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end, afirst mating arm having an elongated portion and a coupling portionextending substantially perpendicularly to the elongated portion, thecoupling portion of the first mating arm being coupled with the firstend of the base arm, a second mating arm having an elongated portion anda coupling portion extending substantially perpendicularly to theelongated portion, the coupling portion of the second mating arm beingcoupled with the second end of the base arm, and a bias member couplingthe first mating arm to the second mating arm and extendingsubstantially in a direction of the longitudinal axis of the base arm.

Aspects of the present invention also provide an extendable compartmentand hitch assembly comprising an extendable compartment assembly and ahitch assembly. The hitch assembly comprises a first compartment, asecond compartment, a first frame coupled to the first compartment, asecond frame coupled to the second compartment, and a slide assemblycoupling the first frame to the second frame such that the secondcompartment is slideable relative to the first compartment between afirst position and a second position. The hitch assembly comprises abase arm having a first end and an opposing second end, a first matingarm coupled with the first end of the base arm, a second mating armcoupled with the second end of the base arm, and a bias member couplingthe first mating arm to the second mating arm. The hitch assembly iscoupleable with the extendable compartment assembly

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an extendable compartment trailer assembly in afully retracted position, in accordance with aspects of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the extendable compartment trailerassembly of FIG. 1 in a fully extended position;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the extendable compartment trailer assembly ofFIG. 2 in a fully extended position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the extendable compartment trailerassembly of FIG. 1 with the compartments omitted and hitched to avehicle in a first hitched position, and in a fully retracted position;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the extendable compartment trailerassembly of FIG. 1 with the compartments omitted, in a partiallyextended position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the extendable compartment trailerassembly of FIG. 1 with the compartments omitted, in a fully extendedposition;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the extendable compartment trailerassembly of FIG. 1 with the compartments omitted, in a fully retractedposition, and in a second hitched position;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the extendable compartment trailerassembly of FIG. 1 with the compartments omitted, in a fully retractedposition, and unhitched from the vehicle;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a hitch assembly in a non-use positionin accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a close up perspective view of a portion of the hitchassembly of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11 is a front view showing the internal components of the hitchassembly of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present invention provide an extendable compartmenttrailer assembly comprising a first compartment having opposingsidewalls and a ceiling, a second compartment having opposing sidewallsand a ceiling, a first frame coupled to the first compartment, a secondframe coupled to the second compartment, and a slide assembly couplingthe first frame to the second frame such that the second compartment isslideable relative to the first compartment between a first position anda second position. The first position the second compartment is at leastpartially disposed within the first compartment and in the secondposition the second compartment is at least partially disposed outsidethe first compartment.

Aspects of the present invention also provide an extendable compartmentassembly comprising a first compartment having opposing sidewalls and aceiling, a second compartment having opposing sidewalls and a ceiling, athird compartment having opposing sidewalls and a ceiling, a first framecoupled to the first compartment, a second frame coupled to the secondcompartment, a third frame coupled to third compartment, a first slideassembly coupling the first frame to the second frame such that thesecond compartment is slideable relative to the first compartmentbetween a first position and a second position, and a second slideassembly coupling the second frame to the third frame such that thethird compartment is slideable relative to the second compartmentbetween a third position and a fourth position. In the first positionthe second compartment is at least partially disposed within the firstcompartment and in the second position the second compartment is atleast partially disposed outside the first compartment. In the thirdposition the third compartment is at least partially disposed within thesecond compartment and in the fourth position the third compartment isat least partially disposed outside the second compartment.

Aspects of the present invention also provide a hitch assemblycomprising a base arm having a first end and an opposing second end, afirst mating arm coupled with the first end of the base arm, a secondmating arm coupled with the second end of the base arm, and a biasmember coupling the first mating arm to the second mating arm.

Aspects of the present invention also provide a hitch assemblycomprising a base arm having a first end opposing a second end, and alongitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end, afirst mating arm having an elongated portion and a coupling portionextending substantially perpendicularly to the elongated portion, thecoupling portion of the first mating arm being coupled with the firstend of the base arm, a second mating arm having an elongated portion anda coupling portion extending substantially perpendicularly to theelongated portion, the coupling portion of the second mating arm beingcoupled with the second end of the base arm, and a bias member couplingthe first mating arm to the second mating arm and extendingsubstantially in a direction of the longitudinal axis of the base arm.

Aspects of the present invention also provide an extendable compartmentand hitch assembly comprising an extendable compartment assembly and ahitch assembly. The hitch assembly comprises a first compartment, asecond compartment, a first frame coupled to the first compartment, asecond frame coupled to the second compartment, and a slide assemblycoupling the first frame to the second frame such that the secondcompartment is slideable relative to the first compartment between afirst position and a second position. The hitch assembly comprises abase arm having a first end and an opposing second end, a first matingarm coupled with the first end of the base arm, a second mating armcoupled with the second end of the base arm, and a bias member couplingthe first mating arm to the second mating arm. The hitch assembly iscoupleable with the extendable compartment assembly

FIG. 1 shows a side view of an example extendable compartment trailerassembly 100 in a fully retracted position. FIG. 2 shows a perspectiveview of the extendable compartment trailer assembly 100 in a fullyextended position. FIG. 3 shows a side view of the extendablecompartment trailer assembly 100 in a fully extended position. As shownin FIG. 1-3, the extendable compartment trailer assembly 100 may includea first compartment 102, a second compartment 104, and a thirdcompartment 106. The compartments may comprise any suitable materialsuch as aluminum, fiber glass, plastic, wood, steel, and the like. Asshown in FIGS. 1-3, each compartment 102, 104, 106 may include opposingsidewalls 108 and a ceiling 110. The sidewalls 108 together with theceilings 110 define a volume of space. The first compartment 102 mayhave a rear wall 112. The first compartment 102 may include an open endfacing/opposing the rear wall 112. The open end of the first compartmentallows for the second compartment 104 and third compartment 106 to nestwithin the first compartment 102, which is described below. Similarly,the second compartment 104 may have a rear open end and an opposingfront open end. The rear open end of the second compartment 104 facesthe rear wall 112 of the first compartment 102. The third compartment106 may include a rear open end facing the rear wall 112 of the firstcompartment 102 and an opposing doorway opening 114. The doorway openingmay 114 may include a door. In other words, the rear wall 112 and openend of the first compartment 102, the opposing open ends of the secondcompartment 104, and the open end and doorway 114 of the thirdcompartment 106, may all be oriented parallel to each other, e.g., inparallel planes. Any of the compartments may include a window or vent.In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the first compartment 102includes a window 142 and a vent 144. The first compartment 102 mayinclude a handle 103 for assisting in maneuvering the extendablecompartment trailer assembly 100, such as by the operator grabbing thehandle.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the second compartment 104 may be slightlysmaller than the first compartment 102, while the third compartment 106may be slightly smaller than the second compartment 104. In particular,at least the height and width of the second compartment 104 may besmaller than the height and width of the first compartment 102 to allowthe second compartment 104 to fit within the first compartment 102. Theheight and width of the third compartment 106 may similarly be smallerthan the height and width of the second compartment 104 to allow thethird compartment 106 to fit within the second compartment 104. Thus,the second compartment 104 may have a smaller volume than the firstcompartment 102, while the third compartment 106 may have a smallervolume than the second compartment 104. The length of the secondcompartment 104 need not necessarily be smaller than the length of thefirst compartment 102, and similarly the third compartment length neednot necessarily be smaller than the length of the first compartment.However, slightly smaller lengths provide the most compact overalllength when the extendable compartment trailer assembly is in thecompletely retracted position.

The difference in overall length of the extendable compartment trailerassembly 100 in the fully retracted position as compared to the fullyextended position is best seen by comparing FIG. 1 to FIG. 3. As seenwhen comparing FIGS. 1 and 3, the overall length of the extendablecompartment trailer assembly 100 is about three times longer in thefully extended position (FIG. 3) as compared to the fully retractedposition (FIG. 1). The overall reduction in length may vary based on thenumber of compartments. Generally, the overall reduction in length isproportional to the number of compartments. Thus, with threecompartments, the overall length in the fully retracted position isabout ⅓ the overall length in the fully extended position, while withtwo compartments the overall length in the fully retracted position isabout ½ the overall length of the fully extended position. Similarly,with four compartments the overall length in the fully retractedposition is about ¼ the overall length of the fully extended position,etc.

The ability to retract and extend the compartments is achieved through aplurality of frames and sliding assemblies, which are best seen in FIGS.4-6. In each of FIGS. 4-6, the compartments 102, 104, 106 have beenomitted for clarity. Thus, FIGS. 4-6 show only the frames and slidingassemblies of the extendable compartment trailer assembly 100. FIG. 4 isa perspective view of the frames and sliding assemblies in the fullyretracted position. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the frames andsliding assemblies in a partially extended position. FIG. 6 is aperspective view of the frames and sliding assemblies in a fullyextended position. The extendable compartment trailer assembly 100 mayinclude a first frame 116, a second frame 118, and a third frame 120.The frames may comprise any suitable material such as aluminum, plastic,wood, steel, and the like. Each of the frames may be coupled to acorresponding one of the compartments 102, 104, 106. Specifically, firstcompartment 102 may be coupled to the first frame 116, the secondcompartment 104 may be coupled to the second frame 118, and the thirdcompartment 106 may be coupled to the third frame 120. The coupling maybe achieved via any suitable method in the art such as by boltingthrough a series of brackets. Each of the frames 116, 118, 120 maycomprise a generally rectangular shape defined by four connected beams,where the four connected beans are the sides of the rectangle. Othershapes, such as squares are also suitable.

The extendable compartment trailer assembly 100 may further includefirst and second sliding assemblies 122, 124. The first slide assembly122 slideably couples the first frame 116 with the second frame 118,while the second slide assembly 124 slideably couples the second frame118 with the third frame 120. As best seen in FIG. 5, the first slideassembly 122 and the second slide assembly 124 may each include twoslide assemblies on opposing sides of the frames. Thus, there may be atotal of four slide assemblies in a three-compartment trailer assembly.Any slide assembly of sufficient strength to support and move thecompartments may be used for the sliding assemblies. Each slide assemblyincludes a first component 126 coupled with one of the frames, a secondcomponent 128 that coupled with the adjacent frame, and a thirdcomponent 130 coupled between the first component 126 and secondcomponent 128 to allow for relative sliding of second component 128relative to the first component 126. For example, for the first slideassembly 122, the first component 126 may be coupled to the first frame116, the second component 128 may be coupled to the adjacent secondframe 118, and the third component 130 may be coupled between the twocomponents 126, 128. Similarly, for the second slide assembly 124, thefirst component 126 may be coupled to the second frame 118, the secondcomponent 128 may be coupled to the adjacent third frame 120, and thethird component 130 may be coupled between the two components 126, 128.The slide assemblies have the same parts and operate in the same manneras existing slide assemblies. For example, similar structural componentsof a slide assembly in a desk drawer may be suitable, albeit using ahigher strength material. Any suitable sliding assembly may be used solong as the material is chosen such that the slide assemblies cansufficiently support the weight of the compartments. For example, thefirst component 126 and the second slide component 128 may each be inthe form of a bracket with a lip. The third component 130 may have ashape corresponding with and slideable along the lips of the brackets.One or more of the brackets may have wheels or ball bearings to allowfor the reduced friction sliding. The sliding assemblies may include oneor more stops to prevent the second or third components from slidingcompletely out of engagement. Example slide assemblies can be found inU.S. Pat. Nos. 8,740,321, 6,854,816, 6,431,668, 5,895,101 4,944,605,4,077,677, 3,9123,413, 3,588,198, and 2,675,277, each of which is herebyexpressly incorporated by reference herein.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the entirely retracted position, the second frame118 is on top of the first frame 116 and the third frame 120 is on topof the second frame 118. In this position, the first slide assemblies122 on both sides of the first and second frames 116, 118 are completelyretracted. Similarly, the second slide assemblies 124 on both sides ofthe second and third frames 118, 120 are completely retracted. FIG. 5shows a position where the second frame 118 extended relative to thefirst frame 116, while the third frame 120 remains retracted relative tothe second frame 118. As shown in FIG. 5, in this position, the secondframe 118 is no longer on top of the first frame 116, while the thirdframe 120 is on top of the second frame 118. In this position, the firstslide assembly 122 on both sides of the first and second frames 116, 118is extended, while the second slide assembly 124 on both sides of thesecond and third frames 118, 120 is retracted. FIG. 6 shows a positionwhere the second frame 118 extended relative to the first frame 116 andthe third frame 120 is extended relative to the second frame 118. Asshown in FIG. 6, in this position, the second frame 118 is no longer ontop of the first frame 116 and the third frame 120 is no longer on topof the second frame 118. In this position, the first slide assembly 122on both sides of the first and second frames 116, 118 is extended andthe second slide assembly 124 on both sides of the second and thirdframes 118, 120 is extended. As noted above, it should be understoodthat the compartments are omitted in FIGS. 4-6 for clarity. While theweight of the compartments may be sufficient to prevent unintendedretraction of the compartments, a locking mechanism may also beincluded. The locking mechanism may be any mechanism suitable forpreventing relative movement of the compartments when the lockingmechanism is engaged. For example, a locking pin may be inserted intothe travel path of the frames or of the components of the slidingassemblies.

Each of the frames 116, 118, 120 may include one or more support arms toprovide further support and stability to the frame. For example, thefirst frame 116 may include two support arms 132, the second frame 118may include one support arm 134, and the third frame 120 may include twosupport arms 136. However, more or less support arms may be used. Eachof the support arms may extend across the length of the area defined bythe beams of the respective frames.

The extendable compartment trailer assembly may include a plurality ofpivotable standing legs that provide additional support to theextendable compartment trailer assembly when in use. For example, asshown in FIGS. 4 and 6, a pivotable leg 138 may be attached to opposingsides of the first frame 116, a pivotable leg 140 may be attached toeach of the support arms 136 of the third frame 120, and a pivotable leg141 may be attached to the support arm 134 of the second frame 118. Eachof the pivotable legs 138, 140, 141 may be pivotally attached to therespective frame so that the operator can retract the legs into a storedposition (i.e., in approximately the same plane as the frame) when notin use (see FIG. 4). When in use, the pivotable legs 138, 140, 141 maybe pivoted so that the legs extend downwardly (i.e., perpendicular toplane of the frames) and contact the ground. Each of the pivotable legs138, 140, 141 may have adjustable heights, such as via a pin/lockingfeature. It should be understood that the pivotable legs can be attachedto any of the sides/support arms of the frames. Furthermore, more orless legs may be used when more or less support is necessary.

Each of the support arms 132 of the first frame 116 may be hollow toreceive a mating arm 202 of a hitch assembly 200. For example, each ofthe support arms 132 and the mating arms 202 may be in the form of arectangular prism having a square cross section. The support arms 132may be slightly larger in height and width than the mating arms 202 sothat the mating arms 202 may slide inside the support arms 132. Alocking pin (not shown) may be used to secure the mating arms 202 withinthe support arms 132. For example, each of the support arms 132 and themating arms 202 may include holes located such that when the mating arms202 are fully inserted into the support arms 132, the holes are aligned.Then, the locking pin may be inserted into the aligned holes to preventmovement of the mating arms 202 within the support arms 132. FIG. 4 bestshows the hitch assembly 200 fully coupled with the extendablecompartment trailer assembly 100. The lengths of the mating arms 202 andthe support arms 132 may be substantially equal. FIG. 7 best shows thehitch assembly 200 partly decoupled from the extendable compartmenttrailer assembly 100. As shown in FIG. 7, the mating arms 202 arepartially inserted into the support arms 132. FIG. 8 best shows theextendable compartment trailer assembly 100 completely decoupled fromthe hitch assembly 200.

The hitch assembly 200 may include the two opposing mating arms 202 anda base arm 204. Each of the mating arms 202 may have an “L” shape andmay be coupled with the base arm 204. The coupling portion 206 of themating arms 202 extend perpendicularly to an elongated portion 208 ofthe mating arms 202. The base arm 204 may be a substantially straightpiece extending parallel to the coupling portion 206 and perpendicularlyto the elongated portion 208. The base arm 204 may have approximatelythe same shape as the coupling portion 206, but may be slightly smallerin width and height so as to fit within the coupling portion 206. Anon-circular cross section, e.g., a square cross section, is preferredto avoid unintended rotation of the mating arms 202 relative to the basearm 204. FIG. 10 best shows a close up view of the mating arms 202 beingcoupled with the base arm 204.

The mating arms 202 may be coupled to base arm 204 without the risk ofthe mating arms 202 inadvertently decoupling form the base arm. FIG. 11is a schematic view showing internal components (shown in dashed line)of the hitch assembly 200 and best illustrates the coupling of themating arms 202 with the base arm 204. As shown in FIG. 11, the matingarms 202 and the base arms 204 may be hollow. Within the hollow space ofone of the mating arms 202 where the coupling portion 206 meets theelongated portion 208 of “L” shape, a bias member 210 (e.g., a spring)may be mounted, while in the hollow space of the other of the matingarms a cable 212 (e.g., a steel cable) may be mounted. For example,mounting rings 215 may be implemented to mount the bias member 210 andcable 212. While the spring is shown mounted on the left mating arm andthe cable is mounted to the right mating arm in FIG. 11, it should beunderstood that their positions may be reversed. Furthermore, while aspring and cable combination are shown, a single bias member (e.g., asingle spring) may be used in place of the spring/cable combination,where the spring extends from one mounting ring to the other mountingring. Additionally, it should be understood that any attachmentmechanism may be implemented that is suitable for coupling the twoopposing mating arms 202.

Due to the bias member 210 and the cable 212, the operator can pulleither one of the mating arms 202 in a direction away from the base arm204 against the spring force until the mating arm 202 is free from thebase arm 204 (e.g., the mating arm is no longer surrounding base arm).While maintaining the pulling force against the spring force such thatthe mating arm 202 is free from the base arm 204, the operator mayrotate the mating arm 202 about a longitudinal central axis of the basearm 204, and then release the pulling force on the mating arm 202. Thebias member 210 and cable 212 ensures that the mating arm 202 willreturn to its coupled position with the base arm 204 when the pullingforce is removed. The bias member 210 and cable 212 also prevents bothmating arms 202 from being lifted from the base arm at the same timebecause pulling outwardly on one of the arms also pulls the opposingmating arm. In this manner, the mating arms 202 can be rotated, one at atime, from the vertical orientation shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, to thehorizontal orientation shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, and vice versa. A lockingmechanism (not shown) may be implemented to lock the mating arms 202 tothe base arm 204. For example, a locking pin may be used that extendthrough a hole in each of the coupling portions 206 and into acorresponding holes of the base arm 204, thus preventing movement of themating arms 202.

The hitch assembly 200 may be coupled with a vehicle 300 by insertingthe hitch assembly 200 into a hitch receiving element 302. A vehicleattachment arm 214 may extend from a center of the base arm 204. Thevehicle attachment arm 214 may be inserted into the hitch receivingelement 302 of the vehicle 300 (best seen in FIG. 10). The hitchassembly 200 may then be secured to the vehicle 300 within the hitchreceiving element 302 using any suitable securing mechanism. Forexample, a preferred attachment mechanism is known in the art as a“silent hitch pin.” The silent hitch pin is so named because it allowsfor a secure connection that limits wobbling of the hitch assembly 200within the hitch receiving element 302. However, any other suitablehitch attachment mechanism may be implemented.

The extendable compartment trailer assembly 100 may further includefloor boards (not show) that are mounted to the frames 116, 118, 120,thus providing a floor to each of the compartments 102, 104, 106. Thatis, a first floor board may be connected to the first frame 116, asecond floor board may be coupled with the second frame 118, and a thirdfloor board may be coupled to the third frame 120. The extendablecompartment trailer assembly 100 may also include leveling structures ofvarious heights placed on at least the first and second floor boards toaccount for the height differential between each of the floors of thecompartments. The leveling structure may comprise foam/cushioningmaterial. Due to the retracting ability of the frames, the floor boardof the first compartment is lower than the floor board of the secondcompartment, while the floor board of the second compartment is lowerthan the floor board of the third compartment. For example, if thedifferent in heights of the floor boards between the first and secondcompartments is 1 inch, and the difference in height between the secondfloor bard and the third floor board is also 1 inch, then the extendablecompartment trailer assembly may include a first leveling structureplaced on the first floor board that is the same dimensions in lengthand width as the first floor board, but have 2 inches in thickness.Similarly, a second leveling structure having the same length and widthdimensions of the second floor board, but having a thickness of 1 inchmay be placed on the second floor board. In other words, the surfaces ofall three floors may be made coplanar by providing foam/cushion levelingstructures of appropriate thickness. In this manner, once the levelingstructures are inserted, there will be a level floor across all thecompartments. The leveling structure may be removable so that theextendable compartment trailer assembly can be retracted. Whilefoam/cushion is a preferred material, any material that allows for alevel floor may be used, such as the same material as the floor board.

A method of operating the extendable compartment trailer assembly 100will now be described. The method may begin from the completelyunassembled orientation, shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, the hitchassembly 200 is attached to the vehicle 300 and the extendablecompartment trailer assembly 100 is completely absent. While FIG. 9shows the hitch assembly 200 already attached to the vehicle, the methodmay include first attaching the hitch assembly 200 to the vehicle byinserting the vehicle attachment arm 214 into the hitch receivingelement 302 and then securing the two with a hitch pin, such as theabove-mentioned silent hitch pin. As shown in FIG. 9, prior to couplingextendable compartment trailer assembly 100 to the hitch assembly 200,the mating arms 202 may be extended vertically, which is thenon-use/prior to use position. In this position, the operator can freelydrive the vehicle 300 without needlessly having the hitch assembly 200extended rearward when nothing is being carried on the hitch assembly200.

When the operator is ready to couple the extendable compartment trailerassembly 100 to the hitch assembly 200, the operator first needs torotate the mating arms 202 from the vertical position of FIG. 9, to thehorizontal position shown in FIG. 8. The operator achieves this bypulling one of the mating arms 202 in a direction along a longitudinalcenterline axis of the base arm 204 in a direction away from theopposing mating arm 202. The operator must pull hard enough to overcomethe spring force of the bias member 210. Once the operator has pulledthe mating arm 202 off of the base arm 204, the operator can then rotatethe mating arm 202 90 degrees in a direction away from the vehicle 300.Once the rotation is complete, the operator may release the pullingforce and the mating arm will then re-couple with the base arm 204, butnow in the horizontal position shown in FIG. 8. The same step is thenrepeated for the other one of the mating arms 202. After the rotation isperformed for the second mating arm 202, the hitch assembly 200 ispositioned as shown in FIG. 8.

Next, the operator may couple the extendable compartment trailerassembly 100 to the hitch assembly 200 by inserting the mating arms 202into the support arms 132 of the first frame 16. FIG. 7 shows partialinsertion of the mating arms 202 into the support arms 132. The positionshown in FIG. 7 may be performed at any time when necessary to open torear doors of the vehicle. The compartments are not shown in FIG. 7, butthe compartments would block opening of the vehicle rear door when themating arms 202 are fully inserted into the support arms 132. Theoperator may continue to slide the mating arms 202 all the way into thesupport arms 132. Alternatively, the operator may slide the mating arms202 partially into the support arms 132 (e.g., one-half the distance ofthe support arms 132). Inserting the mating arms 202 partially allowsthe operator to have access to, and is able to open, the rear doors ofthe vehicle. As noted above, a lock pin may be used to lock the matingarms 202 into the support arms 132. Thus, once in position (e.g., eitherfully or partially), the operator may insert a lock pin that passesthrough aligned holes of the mating arms 202 and support arms 132. Thefully inserted position is shown in FIG. 4. Once fully inserted andlocked into place, the operator may then drive the vehicle to anydesired location. FIG. 1 shows the fully retracted position with thecompartments coupled to the frames. As such, the operator would be ableto carry the extendable compartment trailer assembly 100 shown in FIG.1, as attached to the vehicle as shown in FIG. 4, without the need forroad wheels. In this manner, the operator can compactly and easilytransport the extendable compartment trailer assembly 100 without thesame restrictions presented to a person pulling a full trailer onwheels.

Once the operator arrives at the location, the operator may then proceedto extend the extendable compartment trailer assembly 100. Afterarriving at the desired location, the extendable compartment trailerassembly 100 is in the fully retracted orientation shown in FIGS. 1 and4. If locked, the operator may unlock the frames such as by removing alocking pin. The operator may then grab the second and thirdcompartments 104, 106 and begin pulling the compartments 104, 106 in adirection away from the first compartment 102. The midway point in thisprocess is shown in FIGS. 2 and 5. The sliding of the compartmentsoccurs due to the slide assemblies 122, 124. The operator may continueto pull the compartments 104, 106 until the fully extended position isreached, which is shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 6.

After fully extending the extendable compartment trailer assembly 100,the operator may then proceed to pivot the pivotable legs 138, 140, 141and adjust the leg heights until the legs 138, 140, 141 are in contactwith ground. Once the legs are pivoted, the user may then place theabove-noted leveling structures onto the floor boards of the first andsecond compartments. The user may also lock the frames and legs in placesuch as by inserting locking pins. After placing the levelingstructures, the operator may then use the space within the compartmentsas desired, such as by adding a mattress. The fully extended compartmenttrailer assembly 100 thus provides the comforts of a conventionaltrailer.

When the operator is ready to leave the location, the above steps may berepeated in reverse. In short, the operator may remove the levelingstructures, raise the pivotable legs 138, 140, 141, and then compressthe compartment 104, 106 along with frames 118, 120 into the fullyretracted position. Once fully retracted and secured, the operator cancontinue to travel to another destination.

While not shown, additional compartments may be added using the sameconcepts described above. For example, the extendable compartmenttrailer assembly may include 4, 5, 6, etc. compartments. Furthermore,while all the compartment and frames are shown extending in a parallelmanner along a common axis, one of the compartments may extendperpendicularly relative to the direction of the other compartments(i.e., along a perpendicular axis). For example, a fourth compartmentmay extend perpendicular from the third compartment. This may beachieved by having the slide assemblies coupled with the sides of theframe extending perpendicular to the sides on which the other slideassemblies are mounted. Furthermore, while the example figures show theexpansion of the compartments horizontally relative to the ground (e.g.,the compartments do not change elevation relative to the ground duringextension), it should be understood that the same principles may beapplied to provide for vertical extension (e.g., one or morecompartments may be included that are capable of extending away from theground to increase the height of the compartment).

Additional advantages and novel features relating to aspects of thepresent invention will be set forth in part in the description thatfollows, and in part will become more apparent to those skilled in theart upon examination of the following or upon learning by practicethereof.

1. An extendable compartment assembly comprising: a first compartmenthaving opposing sidewalls and a ceiling; a second compartment havingopposing sidewalls and a ceiling; a first frame coupled to the firstcompartment; a second frame coupled to the second compartment; and aslide assembly coupling the first frame to the second frame such thatthe second compartment is slideable relative to the first compartmentbetween a first position and a second position, wherein in the firstposition the second compartment is at least partially disposed withinthe first compartment and in the second position the second compartmentis at least partially disposed outside the first compartment.
 2. Theextendable compartment assembly of claim 1, wherein the first frame andthe second frame each comprises one or more support arms.
 3. Theextendable compartment assembly of claim 2, further comprising a firstfloor coupled with the first frame and a second floor coupled with thesecond frame.
 4. The extendable compartment assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising a first leg pivotally coupled with the first frame and asecond leg pivotally coupled with the second frame.
 5. The extendablecompartment assembly of claim 2, wherein the one or more support arms ofthe first frame are hollow and configured to receive a hitch arm of ahitch assembly.
 6. The extendable compartment assembly of claim 5,wherein the one or more support arms comprises a pin hole for receivinga locking pin for locking the hitch arm within the one or more supportarms.
 7. The extendable compartment assembly of claim 2, wherein the oneor more support arms of the first frame comprises first and secondsupport arms, wherein the first support arm is hollow and configured toreceive a first hitch arm of a hitch assembly, and wherein the secondsupport arm is hollow and configured to receive a second hitch arm ofthe hitch assembly.
 8. The extendable compartment assembly of claim 1,further comprising a vent disposed in one of the opposing sidewalls orceiling of at least one of the first or second compartments.
 9. Theextendable compartment assembly of claim 1, further comprising a windowdisposed in one of the opposing sidewalls or ceiling of at least one ofthe first or second compartments.
 10. The extendable compartmentassembly of claim 1, wherein the first compartment comprises a rear walland an open end facing the rear wall.
 11. The extendable compartmentassembly 10, wherein the second compartment comprises an open end facingthe rear wall of the first compartment and doorway facing the open endof the second compartment.
 12. The extendable compartment assembly ofclaim 1, wherein in the first position the second compartment isdisposed substantially within the first compartment and in the secondposition the second compartment is disposed substantially outside thefirst compartment.
 13. The extendable compartment assembly of claim 1,further comprising: a third compartment having opposing sidewalls and aceiling; a third frame coupled to the third compartment; a second slideassembly coupling the third frame to the second frame such that thethird compartment is slideable relative to the second compartmentbetween a third position and a fourth position, wherein in the thirdposition the third compartment is at least partially disposed within thesecond compartment and in the fourth position the third compartment isat least partially disposed outside the second compartment.
 14. Theextendable compartment assembly of claim 15, wherein when the secondcompartment is in the first position and the third compartment is in thethird position, the third compartment is at least partially disposedwithin the first compartment.
 15. The extendable compartment assembly ofclaim 15, wherein the wherein the first compartment comprises a rearwall and an open end facing the rear wall, wherein the secondcompartment comprises a first open end facing the rear wall of the firstcompartment and a second open end facing the first open end, and whereinthe third compartment comprises an open end facing the rear wall of thefirst compartment and a doorway facing the open end of the thirdcompartment.
 16. The extendable compartment assembly of claim 1, whereinthe sidewalls of the second compartment have a height smaller than aheight of the sidewalls of the first compartment.
 17. The extendablecompartment assembly of claim 15, wherein the sidewalls of the thirdcompartment have a height smaller than a height of the sidewalls of thesecond compartment
 18. The extendable compartment assembly of claim 1,wherein a length of the assembly when the second compartment is in thefirst position is about one-half a length of the assembly when thesecond compartment is in the second position.
 19. The extendablecompartment assembly of claim 15, wherein a length of the assembly whenthe second compartment is in the first position and the thirdcompartment is in the third position is about one-third a length of theassembly when the second compartment is in the second position and thethird compartment is in the fourth position.
 20. An extendablecompartment assembly comprising: a first compartment having opposingsidewalls and a ceiling; a second compartment having opposing sidewallsand a ceiling; a third compartment having opposing sidewalls and aceiling; a first frame coupled to the first compartment; a second framecoupled to the second compartment; a third frame coupled to thirdcompartment; a first slide assembly coupling the first frame to thesecond frame such that the second compartment is slideable relative tothe first compartment between a first position and a second position;and a second slide assembly coupling the second frame to the third framesuch that the third compartment is slideable relative to the secondcompartment between a third position and a fourth position, wherein inthe first position the second compartment is at least partially disposedwithin the first compartment and in the second position the secondcompartment is at least partially disposed outside the firstcompartment, and wherein in the third position the third compartment isat least partially disposed within the second compartment and in thefourth position the third compartment is at least partially disposedoutside the second compartment.
 21. A hitch assembly comprising: a basearm having a first end and an opposing second end; a first mating armcoupled with the first end of the base arm; a second mating arm coupledwith the second end of the base arm; and a bias member coupling thefirst mating arm to the second mating arm.
 22. A hitch assemblycomprising: a base arm having a first end opposing a second end, and alongitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end; afirst mating arm having an elongated portion and a coupling portionextending substantially perpendicularly to the elongated portion, thecoupling portion of the first mating arm being coupled with the firstend of the base arm; a second mating arm having an elongated portion anda coupling portion extending substantially perpendicularly to theelongated portion, the coupling portion of the second mating arm beingcoupled with the second end of the base arm; and a bias member couplingthe first mating arm to the second mating arm and extendingsubstantially in a direction of the longitudinal axis of the base arm.23. An extendable compartment and hitch assembly comprising: anextendable compartment assembly comprising: a first compartment; asecond compartment; a first frame coupled to the first compartment; asecond frame coupled to the second compartment; and a slide assemblycoupling the first frame to the second frame such that the secondcompartment is slideable relative to the first compartment between afirst position and a second position; and a hitch assembly comprising: abase arm having a first end and an opposing second end; a first matingarm coupled with the first end of the base arm; a second mating armcoupled with the second end of the base arm; and a bias member couplingthe first mating arm to the second mating arm, wherein the hitchassembly is coupleable with the extendable compartment assembly.